It seems Disney really are casting the net over all of Hollywood in their search for a director for their new Star Wars flick. A while ago Guillermo del Toro's name popped up as part of a rumored shortlist, but I don't think anyone really thought the fan-favorite director was involved. Well, as it turns out he WAS offered the gig, but as flattered as he was, was forced to turn it down..
"We got one phone call to my agent saying, 'Is Guillermo interested?' And basically I have so much stuff already of my own, and I'm pursuing stuff that I'm generating already..It was very flattering. It was just a phone call, it didn't go past that, it was very nice to be asked, but believe it or not, I'm busy enough."
Del Toro is only the latest in a string of directors to reveal that they were asked, and had to pass on helming the movie. We had been led to believe that Disney had narrowed their search down to 2 (though they remain unnamed) but this has never been officially confirmed. Whatever happens, there is one man Del Toro believes is the right director for the job.
"I think the fans deserve somebody that is just going to immerse themselves completely," he said.
"As a geek, I would have loved to see Brad Bird take it." As would a great many people, but unfortunately we also know that's not going to happen as Bird is busy with his own sci-fi project,
1952. At this stage it seems entirely possible that Disney will have to go down the unknown route for a director! Who'd have thunk it.
About The Author:
Mark Cassidy is a writer, photographer, amateur filmmaker, and Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic from Dublin, Ireland.